Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is surprisingly common. Some diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Sjogren’s, reduce saliva production, as do many medications, including drugs for hypertension and depression.

Your dentist is right on target—saliva does much more than wet your whistle. It helps you taste, chew, swallow, and digest food and keeps bacterial growth in check, reducing risk of cavities and oral infections. It also helps reduce plaque that causes bad breath.

You’ll also want to avoid the sugar-free, artificially sweetened gum and candy most doctors recommend. Instead, suck or chew xylitol-sweetened mints or gum. Xylitol, a natural low-calorie sweetener that inhibits bacterial growth, is even FDA approved for preventing tooth decay.

In fact, for optimal dental health, also consider using toothpaste, mouthwash, or sprays containing xylitol. Spry is one good brand. Another option is to put one quarter teaspoon of xylitol granules in your mouth several times a day. As they dissolve, swish them over your teeth and wait as long as is comfortable before swallowing.

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For more than 30 years, Dr. Julian Whitaker has helped people regain their health with a combination of therapeutic lifestyle changes, targeted nutritional support, and other cutting-edge natural therapies. He is widely known for treating diabetes, but also routinely treats heart disease and other degenerative diseases. More About Dr. Whitaker